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‘We are on anti-terrorist alert four (with five a very high risk) and there will be extensive security so as to guarantee that the match takes place with complete normality’
Security measures will be increased significantly for ‘El Clasico’ between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, Spain's secretary of state for security Francisco Martinez said.
The decision was made at a special meeting of top sporting and security officials on Wednesday ahead of the high-profile match that will be watched by around 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu and millions more around the world.
“There will be at least 1,000 police from the national force, which is double what is normal for a game like this, 1,400 private security guards and on top of this there will be the municipal police,” Martinez told reporters.
“We are on anti-terrorist alert four (with five a very high risk) and there will be extensive security so as to guarantee that the match takes place with complete normality.”
Europe is on high alert following the deadly bombings and shootings in the French capital last Friday.
Martinez played down any particular risk to the ‘El Clasico’.
“It will take place with complete normality and we are sure that there will be no incidents,” he said.
“We have full confidence in the state security forces and in all those who will contribute so that we will only be talking about a festival of football on Saturday. We want to give out a message of calm and serenity as far as the circumstances permit.”
Champions Barca take on Real with a three point lead at the top of La Liga after 11 matches.
France on alert for Ligue 1 resumption
Tight security will overshadow the resumption of Ligue 1 action in France on Friday when Nice host Lyon, one week on from the terror attacks in Paris that left 129 people dead and 350 injured.
France were playing Germany at the Stade de France on November 13 when three explosions were heard outside the national stadium. Three suicide bombers killed themselves along with one bystander.
Junior Sports Minister Thierry Braillard with French football officials took the decision on Tuesday to allow Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches to go ahead under heavy security, but without away fans.
"Sporting competitions must continue because if we suspend them, that is what these barbaric people want, which is to destabilise our daily way of life," explained Braillard.
As both European football's governing body UEFA and the French government were moved to dispel fears over France's ability to host Euro 2016, the French league returns but under a tight security blanket.
Paris Saint-Germain, a healthy 10 point clear of Lyon, travel to Lorient on Saturday, Laurent Blanc's French champions notably affected by the attacks.
Saint-Etienne will host the Velodrome club in the final match of the weekend on Sunday.
Elsewhere on Sunday, third-placed Caen host promoted Angers, who are just two points out of the Champions League places.
The pick of Saturday's ties takes place on the Cote d'Azur when Monaco welcome Nantes.